Iris Lynne McPherson

I always enjoyed visiting with Iris anytime I was back in Stillwater. She always had such a genuine and warm smile. I enjoyed many years of bell choir and serving at church with her. Thinking of her brings a smile to my face. Praying for God's peace and comfort for her family.
Diane (Shawley) Aldrich

Andy and George, I am so sorry to hear about the death of your mother. I have many fond memories with Iris through all of the 4-H and school activities we enjoyed together with our kids. We didn’t see each other as much after our kids grew up but always enjoyed occasionally running into each other at Walmart or the Payne County Fair and when we did we had lengthy and enjoyable conversations getting caught up on each other and all of our kids and grandkids. She told me about her new adventure of quilting and I loved seeing some of the quilts she had made and entered in the county fair, they were beautiful. She was a wonderful person and friend. Our condolences, Sue (& Bob) Duke

We are saddened by the death of our long-time friend, Iris McPherson. We loved to hear her tell about her adventurous life as an international birder. Iris was as nice and genuine a person as we've ever known. Our sympathies and prayers are extended to the family. God bless you all. --Craig and Sara Chappell, Lawrence, Kansas

My name is Mary Dillingham. My husband Joe and I moved to Stillwater as newlyweds 51 years ago so that he could go back to school for a second degree from OSU. I started working at the Computer Center at OSU, and Iris was one of the first people I met. She was a friend and mentor to me during our time in Stillwater while Joe was working on his degree. When he went back in the Navy, we continued to exchange Christmas cards and keep up with each other's family doings. When we came back to Stillwater permanently in 1990, we continued to stay in touch--occasionally meeting for lunch and at church. I always enjoyed hearing about Iris's adventures--walking across Great Britain, going down the Amazon--wishing I were as adventurous as she. We'd talk about our children and grandchildren, our hopes and concern for them and pride in their accomplishments. It was a comfort to me having her at the church when our son died. Now for my favorite Iris story--it's short, but kind of sweet:
When we worked together at the Computer Center in the early 1970's, one day she came into my office with a grin on her face.
"I just went in to see Dr. Gumm" she said. "I told him, 'I'm having a baby!'"
Apparently, he then said (I'm sure while looking at his petite, thin as a rail, employee) "That's great!! When?"
To which, she replied "TOMORROW!!!"
And she and Jim went to Oklahoma City the next day and picked up their first son at the adoption agency. She was SO happy.
Iris was kind, compassionate, level-headed, adventurous, and a pleasure to know. She deserves the best. May she rest in peace.